Lung Meridian
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LU-11
Wood-Mu
Well-Jing Point
Sun Si Miao Ghost Point
Exit Point
Safety Warnings
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
Needle Depth
0.1–0.2 cun
Needle Angle
45° (Oblique), 10-15° (Transverse)
Body Area
Fingers
Location
On the radial side of the thumb, about 0.1 cun posterior to the corner of the nail.
Main Actions
- Expels Exterior Wind
- Diffuses and descends Lung Qi
- Benefits the throat
- Restores consciousness and opens orifices
Indications
Commentary
Shaoshang LU-11 is often indicated for sore throat and swollen tonsils derives from external Wind-Heat invasion. In this case, prink the point to bleed. It is normally only used to treat acute sore throat.
Together with other Well-Jing points of the hand, it is able to restore consciousness derives from Wind-stroke by opening the orifices.
Classical Sources
《灵枢·本输》Líng Shū · Běn Shū (Spiritual Pivot - Root Transport): "手大指端内侧也" - Located on the inner side of the tip of the thumb.
《针灸甲乙经》Zhēnjiǔ Jiǎyǐ Jīng (ABC of Acupuncture): "在手大指端内侧去爪甲角如韭叶" - On the inner side of the tip of the thumb, a leek-leaf width from the corner of the nail.
《医学心悟》Yīxué Xīnwù (Medical Insights): "咽喉肿痛、肿塞……取之少商泻血" - For sore, swollen, and blocked throat, use Shaoshang and let blood.
《医宗金鉴》Yīzōng Jīnjiàn (Golden Mirror of Medicine): "少商惟针双鹅痹，血出喉开功最奇" - Shaoshang needled for tonsillitis, when blood flows the throat opens - most miraculous!
《灵枢·刺节真邪篇》Líng Shū · Cì Jié Zhēn Xié Piān: States that pricking Shaoshang with a three-edged needle to produce slight bleeding can drain heat from all the Zang organs.
How to Locate
On the radial side of the thumb, at the junction of lines drawn along the radial border and the base of the nail, about 0.1 cun from the corner of the nail.
Caution
This point is very sensitive and painful to needle due to its location near the nail bed with dense nerve endings. When bloodletting, use sterile technique and allow only a few drops of blood (typically 5-10 drops). Ensure the hand is warm and positioned to encourage blood flow before pricking. Moxibustion is generally not recommended at this point except in specific cases like acute epistaxis - most classical sources advise against moxibustion here. This point is primarily used for acute excess-heat conditions and is not suitable for deficiency patterns.
Needle Angle
45° (Oblique) / 10-15° (Transverse)
Depth Category
Shallow
Standard Depth
0.1–0.2 cun
Needling Directions
0.1-0.2 cun vertically or obliquely in a proximal direction or prick to bleed. Caution: perionychium
Expected Deqi Sensation
Sharp, pricking sensation at the point. Due to the shallow insertion and minimal soft tissue, deqi is typically experienced as localized distension and mild soreness rather than the traveling sensation common at other points. When pricked for bloodletting, the sensation is brief and sharp.
Moxibustion
Questionable
Duration: 3–5 minutes (if used cautiously)
Cupping
Contraindicated
Bloodletting
Particularly Recommended
Gua Sha
Contraindicated
Five Element & Transporting Classification
Five Phase
Wood-Mu
Transporting Type
Well-Jing Point
Mother-Child Role
Child (Reducing)
Special Point Classifications
Sun Si Miao Ghost Point
Exit Point
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